WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. job market delivered another upside surprise last month, churning out a better-than-expected 147,000 jobs. The unemployment rate ticked down unexpectedly, too. But the headline numbers masked some weaknesses as the U.S. economy contends with fallout from President Donald Trump’s economic policies, especially his sweeping import taxes and the erratic way…… MORE
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — President Donald Trump has gone to Iowa to kick off a year of patriotic festivities leading up to next year’s 250th anniversary of American independence. The event Thursday night became a celebration of his second term, and Trump took the stage just hours after Congress approved tax cut legislation that…… MORE
Famed competitive eater Joey “Jaws” Chestnut has reclaimed his title at the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest after skipping last year’s event. The 41-year-old from Westfield, Indiana, secured his 17th Mustard Belt in 20 appearances before cheering fans at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. He had missed the 2024 competition…… MORE
Fewer Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week as layoffs in the U.S. remain low despite uncertainty about how tariffs will impact the economy. The Labor Department reported Thursday that jobless claims for the week ending June 28 fell by 4,000 to 233,000, less than the 241,000 that analysts forecast. The four-week average of claims,…… MORE
UPDATE; 07/04 5:30 PM – The Texas National Guard is activated to help with search and rescue efforts. Six people are now confirmed dead, but 20 young girls at a summer camp on the banks of the flooded Guadelupe River remain missing – as do people in their mobile homes in a park in Ingram,…… MORE